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Effects of Surgery on Oral Frailty and Dysphagia in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sponsor: National Sun Yat-sen University
Summary
Dysphagia is a commonly reported complaint among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), particularly those who have undergone upper-airway (oropharyngeal) surgery. However, how surgical treatment for OSA affects swallowing function and oral function (oral frailty) remains unclear. This prospective cohort study recruits adults with moderate-to-severe OSA from the sleep medicine clinic of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Taiwan. Participants choose their own treatment as part of routine care; the study does not assign or influence treatment. Participants who undergo OSA surgery form the surgery group, and those who receive non-surgical treatment (e.g., CPAP) or no treatment form the non-surgical group. Swallowing difficulty (EAT-10) and oral frailty (seven oral hypofunction indicators) are assessed before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.
Official title: The Effects of Surgery on Improving Oral Frailty and Dysphagia in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): A Prospective Cohort Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
450
Start Date
2026-06-12
Completion Date
2028-12-31
Last Updated
2026-10-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Upper airway surgery for OSA
Upper-airway surgical procedures chosen by the patient as part of routine care, including radiofrequency reduction of the soft palate or tongue base, palatine tonsillectomy, partial glossectomy, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), CO2 laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and related procedures. Not assigned by the study.
Non-surgical management
CPAP or other non-surgical management (e.g., oral appliance, weight control), or no treatment, as chosen by the patient as part of routine care. Not assigned by the study.
Locations (1)
Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan